Baby Spoon

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an eating utensil composed of an elongated element having a first end and a second end. The first end having at least one scooping element. The second end of the elongated element contains a handle. The scooping element may be a flange that is mounted perpendicularly to the elongated element. The retaining surface of the scooping element may be inclined or declined toward the elongated element. A flange guard may separate the handle from the scooping element.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/309,967 filed on Mar. 3, 2010, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an eating utensil for small children.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a utensil that may be used for feeding infants and small children. Babies graduate from receiving nutrition from breast feeding or bottles to solid food. Solids or viscous liquids, such as yogurts or purées require the use of more conventional eating utensils such as spoons. However, typical spoons are not suitable for young toddlers.

The present invention presents a utensil that is closer to a bottle or breast feeding, yet can hold the same solid foods as a conventional spoon. Solid foods typically eaten with a spoon may be scooped up and served by the flange-like surfaces of the present invention. The present invention may also help teach a toddler how to hold and use a utensil. The present invention resembles a pacifier or nipple in shape and texture and so has a familiar feel in the infant's mouth. It is therefore softer and gentler than a traditional spoon. This familiarity makes it easier for the infant to accept solid foods and aides in the infant's transition from a bottle or breast feeding to solid foods.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

US Patent Application No. 2007/0203450 discloses a device for feeding a young child without the threat of choking, this device comprising a handle member in combination with an elongate food-receiving mesh container having an aperture in one end thereof. A ring component too large to swallow is mounted in the aperture. One end of the handle member has a circularly disposed sealing surface, and having a securing member around its adjacent exterior surface. A closure ring having a securing member around its interior surface is able to interfit with the securing member of the handle end. The closure ring has a central aperture of a size to closely receive the container, but not permitting the passage of the ring component. When the closure ring has been tightened upon the handle end, the ring component will tightly engage the circularly disposed sealing surface on the handle, holding the container in an operative position.

US Patent Application No. 2004/0194322 discloses a feeding implement that can be used for self-feeding by a child, such as a toddler, or an individual having a disability. The feeding implement consists of a handle and a transport portion which is shaped and suitable for dipping into solid foods, such as purees and infant cereal. The transport portion has on its surface multiple protrusions and/or grooves to increase its surface area.

Various implements are known in the art, but fail to address all of the problems solved by the invention described herein. One embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an eating utensil composed of an elongated element having a first end and a second end. The first end has at least one scooping element. The second end of the elongated element contains a handle. The scooping element may be a flange mounted perpendicularly to the elongated element. The retaining surface of the scooping element may be inclined or declined toward the elongated element. A flange guard may separate the handle from the scooping element.

Therefore, the present invention succeeds in conferring the following desirable and useful benefits and objectives, as well as others not mentioned.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel feeding utensil.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a spoon trainer device.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an eating utensil that may be easily used by toddlers and small children.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a spoon utensil that may be used as a pacifier.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device for use with feeding yogurt and purées.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device where the handle allows for comfortable grip and easy maneuvering within a food container or a child's mouth.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an eating utensil that is whimsical and fun to use.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an eating utensil that enables introduction of solid foods in a gentle and stress free way.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an eating utensil that may also be utilized as a pacifier or a teether.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 is a perspective side view of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view of the scooping element.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention, demonstrating angles and inclines.

FIG. 4 is a front view.

FIG. 5 is a back view.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are usage demonstrations.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of another, alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of yet another, alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of further, alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a perspective view of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective side view as viewed from the front of the article 10, while FIG. 2 is a perspective side view as viewed from the back of the article 10. Shown also in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an article 10, an elongated element 20, a first end 30, a second end 40, a scooping element 50, a handle 60, a flange 70, a retaining surface 90, a retaining space 120, a width of the scooping element 130, a length of the elongated element 140, a conical portion 150, a base of said conical 160, a side of the first end 170, and a flange guard 180.

The present invention preferably functions as a cross between a spoon and a pacifier for feeding semi-solid and solid foods to a child. The scooping element 50 is disposed on the first end 30. There may be at least one scooping element 50. However, preferably, there are two or three scooping elements in a row.

The preferred embodiment of a scooping element is a flange 70. The flange 70 is preferably elliptical or circular, but may be embodied in any other shape such as, a square, an oval, a triangle, an octagon, a tetrahedron, or star-shaped. The flange 70 may preferably be made of not-toxic and soft materials such as, plastic, rubber, polymer or silicone. The scooping element 50 is preferably firm enough to scoop and carry food, yet flexible enough for the rings to bend and flex when it's being pulled from the child's mouth. Since the article 10 is intended to come in contact with food items, it is highly preferable that the materials used are heat resistant and will not melt or distort when the article 10 is exposed to hot food solids or subject to high temperatures such as sterilization or dishwashing.

The scooping element 50 is disposed on the elongated element 20, and preferably is integrally manufactured with the elongated element 20, meaning the scooping element should be an extension of the elongated element 20. Even if the scooping element is added later in the manufacturing process, it should be fused so it creates a rounded base area 94. The preferred length of the elongated element 20 is preferably between 1 and 3 inches, with the width 130 or the diameter of the scooping element preferably between ¼ and 1 inch. The article 10 preferably contains at least 3 flanges 70. The first elliptical flange 70 is preferably flush with the first end 30, or is structurally derived from the first end 30. Flanges 70 disposed further along the elongated element 20, may be spaced between 1/16 and ½ of inch apart. This space may be referred to as the retaining space 120. The purpose of the retaining space 120 is to permit a quantity of a food item to accumulate between the retaining surface 90 and converse surface 92.

It is preferable that the flange 70 encircles the elongated element 20 on all sides. However, in an alternative embodiment the flange may cover just one side 170, or it may be just one or several facets of the elongated element 20. In another alternative (not shown), the scooping element may contain perpendicular protrusions on alternative sides or facets 170 of the elongated element 20, or on opposite sides 170. In other versions for older children, one or more of the flanges 70 may contain jagged edge (not shown) for easier severing of a food item.

The elongated element 20 is shown having a straight portion 152 and a conical portion 150. The straight portion 150 may also be referred to as a forward portion. Alternatively, the elongated element 20 may be entirely straight or entirely conical. The conical portion 150 forms a handle 60 at the base 160. The elongated element 20 may be preferably cylindrical, or have a round sidewall 153. Alternatively, the elongated element 20 may be flat, polygonal or polyhedral, ball shaped, or oblong such as a football shape. A conical or otherwise shaped elongated element 20 may be preferable to a cylindrical or rod-like embodiment, since it may prevent the article 10 from going too deep into a child's mouth.

The second end 40 of the elongated element 20 forms a handle 60. The handle 60 may be separated from the base 160 of the conical section 150 by a flange guard 180. As will be explained in FIG. 3, both the flange guard 180 and the elliptical flange 70 may preferably be oriented perpendicularly 80 to the elongated element 20. Preferably, the flange guard 180 does not abruptly jut out of the elongated element 20, but forms a rounded base area 162.

The handle 60 may preferably be elliptical or spherical. Such a handle may have many advantages to a more traditional elongated handle. On a functional level, an elliptical handle 60 can be easily moved from side to side and rotated around. This may be very desirable when aggregating food inside a food container, such as a yogurt container, or when trying to feed a distracted or uncooperative child. The small profile of the article 10 and the convenient handle 60 also make the device suitable for use by children, since it is easily grasped and manipulated, especially when held by a toddler. The handle 60 easily orients the article 10 to point the scooping element 50 directly into the baby's mouth. Unlike a normal spoon which must be maintained with the scooping part in a horizontal position, the present invention can be oriented or twisted in any direction and it will still be capable of scooping solid or semi-solid food. Additionally, broad and elliptical surfaces are more comfortable, especially to those suffering from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. On an aesthetic level, an elliptical handle 60 is similar to the appearance of a typical pacifier, and may be more readily recognized by a child than an elongated alternative. However, a handle 60 may take on any other shape such as an elongated shape, a figurine shape, or any other shape. The handle 60 may also contain soft or frictional elements to prevent slippage, or may have a fun design. In another alternative, the handle 60 or the elongated element 20 may be hollow, or function as a noise maker. The handle 60 may also be embodied in a large ring or a head of a children's cartoon character.

Separating the handle 60 from the rest of the elongated element 20 is flange guard 180. The width or diameter of the flange guard 180 may be between 1 and 2.5 inches. Preferably, the rim 184 of the flange guard 180 contains corner protrusions 182. The corner protrusions 182 prevent the article from rolling sideways on a slightly tilted surface. With corner protrusions 182, the flange guard 180 may appear octagonal, with vertices forming the corner protrusions 182. However, a greater or a lesser number of vertices may be used. The corner protrusions 182 may preferably be made of a soft, or even jell like material such as, soft rubber or silicone. Alternatively, the flange guard 180 may be completely elliptical or shaped like a cross guard. In other alternatives the corner protrusions 182 may be protuberances that jut out along the rim 184. The flange guard may also be omitted entirely. The flange guard 180 may serve functional and aesthetic roles. The flange guard 180 helps keep the users hands clean from food when inserting the article 10 into a container or a child's mouth. If used by a child, it may prevent a child from soiling his or her hands or cuffs when using the article 10 to eat. It may also shield the mouth of a child from any bacteria that may be present on the hands or fingertips of the person using the article 10. The width 62 of the handle 60 may preferably be between 0.8 and 1.8 of an inch and be substantially spherical or elliptical as shown. These dimensions and shape make the handle 60 ideal for handling by babies and small children.

The various parts of the present invention may be made from any material, including but not limited to: plastics and resins including but not limited to plastic, rubber, foam, silicone, ABS, Polycarbonate, Noryl™, PVC, Polystryrene, ABS/PVC, PVC/Acrylic, Polysulfone, Acrylic, Polyethylene, Kydex™, PETG; ate, or quartz; wood; metals, including but not limited to iron, tin, aluminum, copper; rubber including but not limited to natural rubber, SBR, Isoprene rubber, Butadiene rubber, and Chloroprene rubber; or an edible material such as a flexible candy or any combinations or composites of these materials or other materials and new materials that may be manufactured in the future. The materials should be non-toxic and approved for use with food. The parts of the article 10 may be manufactured using identical or different materials. Preferably, the forward portion 150 and the scooping elements 50 are made of soft, flexible, and significantly tear resistant materials that are not toxic, or which will not dissolve or leach toxins if exposed to hot or cold food, liquids, edible acids, food items, or saliva.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross sectional view of the forward portion 152. Shown is the straight or forward portion 152 of the elongated element 20, scooping elements 50, a first end 30, a retaining surface 90, a converse surface 92, a base area 94, an incline toward the elongated element 100, and a retaining space 120. The scooping elements 50 may preferably be flanges 70. FIG. 2A illustrates the concept that the scooping element should preferably be fashioned as an extension of the elongated element 20. This would likely ensure that the scooping elements 20 may not easily tear away from the elongated element 20. The scooping elements 50 may contain a base area 94 that may be shaped as a half pipe. The base area 94 represents a transition from the sidewall 153 of the elongated element 20 to the retaining surface 90. The half pipe shaped base area 94 is also desirable to ease the cleaning process of the scooping element 50 and to make food within the retaining surface 90 more accessible. It may also be highly preferable that the scooping element 50 inclines 100 toward the elongated element 20. This creates a flange 70 that contains a concave retaining surface 90 for holding food, and a convex converse surface 92 for forcing scooped up food into the retaining surface 90. Alternatively, the scooping elements 50 may be completely perpendicular to the elongated element 20 and not contain a base area 94.

Referring to FIG. 3, shown is an article 10, an elongated element 20, a first end 30, a second end 40, a scooping element 50, a handle 60, an elliptical flange 70, a perpendicular mounting 80, a retaining surface 90, an incline toward said elongated element 100, a retaining space 120, a width of the scooping element 130, a length of the elongated element 140, a conical portion 150, a straight portion 152, a sidewall 153, a base of said conical 160, a side of the first end 170, and a flange guard 180. Also demonstrated in FIG. 3 is a stacked orientation 110 of each scooping element 50, which is also herein referred to as a row of scooping elements 50. In such orientation, the width of each flange 70 varies between one flange and the next 190. For example, the flange 70 that forms that first end 30 may preferably be the widest scooping element. The scooping element 50 that follows may be slightly narrower, yet wider than a subsequent scooping element 50. It follows that the scooping element 50 that is closest to the handle 60 may be the narrowest, while the scooping element 50 closest to the first end 30 may preferably be the widest. This allows the scooping elements 50 closest to the first end 30 to also fill up with food. Otherwise, the scooping element that is furthest away from the first end 30 may fill up with food, leaving empty the scooping elements that are closer to the first end 30. This may also be desirable since it may yield a utensil that is somewhat resistant to spillovers and dripping while the first end 30 is pointing downward. Since the food run-off from the scooping element closest to the handle 60 may be caught by the retaining surface of the wider scooping element beneath it. Alternatively, the variable width pattern 190 may be reversed, namely the scooping element 50 that is closest to the handle 60 may be the widest, while the scooping element closest to the first end 30 may be the narrowest. Any other variations of width may also be possible.

Both the flange guard 180 and the scooping elements 70 are mounted or attached perpendicularly 80 with respect to the elongated element 170. The rim 184 may be slightly pitched in the direction of the first end 30, but may also be perfectly perpendicular, or pitched in the direction of the second end 40.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the front and back view of the present invention. Note the back view is a view facing the handle 60, while the front view is a view facing the first end 30. Also shown are the flange guard 180, the flange guard rim 184, and the corner protrusions 182. The flange guard 180 in FIG. 3 bears the preferred octagonal shape. Alternatively, the flange guard may be in any shape.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Shown is an article 10, an elongated element 20, a first end 30, a second end 40, a scooping element 50, a handle 60, an elliptical flange 70, a declining scooping element 75, a perpendicular flange 77, a retaining surface 90, a retaining space 120, and a flange guard 180. In an alternative embodiment shown one of the scooping elements 50 is inclined towards the elongated element 20 in the direction of the flange guard 180. A declining scooping element 75 is inclined towards the inclining scooping element 50. There may also be a perpendicular flange 77 disposed between the inclining and declining scooping elements 70 and 75. The perpendicular flange 77 is preferably flat and narrower than the inclining and declining flanges 70 and 75, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the article 10 is capable of holding food firmly in place whether the scooping elements 50 are pointing up or down. Additionally, this embodiment may be more suitable for scraping sidewalls of a food container, like the one shown in FIG. 6, in the direction of incline and decline. The perpendicular flange 77 may assist in retaining captured food items inside the retaining space 120.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example of utilization of the present invention. Shown are an article 10, an elongated element 20, a first end 30, a second end 40, a scooping element 50, a handle 60, a flange guard 180, a food container 200, a food container opening 210, and a child 220. The article 10 is used by dipping the scooping element 50 into a food container 200 or a plate, or any other food bearing container. The narrow, utensil-like profile of the article 10 permits easy access into any size container, especially ones with narrow openings 210. For optimal performance the article 10 may be used with viscous liquids or semi-viscous solids, such as yogurts, purees, apple souses and equivalent sauces, mash potatoes, oatmeal, and similar food types.

The article 10 is first dipped into the container 200 to saturate the scooping elements 50 with a quantity of food. The article 10 is then transferred towards a child's, or human mouth, as shown. Once the scooping element 50 enters the oral cavity, the food item may be suctioned off and released by the flexible scooping elements 50. One skilled in the art would appreciate that dimensions of the article 10 permit it to be easily handled and used by a toddler or a young child 220. A child, especially a toddler has a natural tendency to shake items and in general to move items up and down. Furthermore, children of this age still have a strong desire to ingest food through suction. The present invention can capitalize on these tendencies. The aim is for a child 220 to become accustomed to using the present invention to eat without assistance, and to eventually replace the article 10 with a typical spoon or fork. The article 10 may help with this transition and may also be used as a pacifier or a teether toy.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of another, alternative embodiment of the present invention. The downward baby spoon 300 has a flange guard 180 attached to a spherical handle 60 on one side, and an elongated element 20 on the other side. At the distal end of the elongated element 20, there are a plurality of downward sloping flanges 310, each pair of the downward sloping flanges 310 being separated by a retaining space 120. The downward sloping flanges 310 each have a convex retaining surface 320.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of yet another, alternative embodiment of the present invention. The spiral baby spoon 400 has a flange guard 180 attached to a spherical handle 60 on one side, and an elongated element 20 on the other side. At the distal end of the elongated element 20, there is a spiral flange 410, with the groove in the spiral forming the retaining space 120.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of further, alternative embodiment of the present invention. The flat baby spoon 500 has a flange guard 180 attached to a spherical handle 60 on one side, and an elongated element 20 on the other side. At the distal end of the elongated element 20, there are a plurality of flat flanges 510, each pair of the flat flanges 510 being separated by a retaining space 120. The flat flanges 510 each have a flat retaining surface 520.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. 

1. An article of manufacture comprising: an elongated element having a first end and a second end; said first end having at least one scooping element; a handle, said handle disposed on said second end; said scooping element is a flange about said first end, said flange mounted perpendicularly to said elongated element; and said retaining surface of said scooping element is inclined toward said elongated element.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein said flange is an elliptical flange.
 3. The article of claim 1, further comprising at least three scooping elements, said scooping elements disposed in a stacked orientation along said elongated element, and a retaining space disposed between said scooping elements.
 4. The article of claim 3, wherein a width of each said scooping element along said elongated element varying at with each successive scooping element.
 5. The article of claim 1, wherein said scooping element is made of a flexible non abrasive material.
 6. The article of claim 1, wherein said elongated element is between 1 and 3 inches in length, and wherein the maximum width of said scooping element is between ¼ of an inch and one inch.
 7. The article of claim 1, wherein said elongated element is further comprised of a conical portion, a base of said conical portion forming a handle.
 8. The article of claim 1, wherein said scooping element is disposed on one side of said first end.
 9. The article of claim 1, further comprising a flange guard, said flange guard separating said handle from said first end, and said flange guard disposed in a perpendicular orientation with said elongated element.
 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the handle is spherical.
 11. The article of claim 1, wherein said retaining surface is in a declining orientation.
 12. The article of claim 1, wherein said flange is a downward sloping flange.
 13. The article of claim 1, wherein said flange is a spiral flange.
 14. The article of claim 1, wherein said flange is a flat flange.
 15. An article of manufacture comprising: an elongated element having a first end and a second end; said first end having at least two scooping elements, said scooping elements disposed in a stacked orientation along said elongated element; a retaining space disposed between said scooping elements; each said scooping element forming an elliptical flange, said elliptical flange disposed in a perpendicular orientation with said elongated element; and a handle, said handle disposed on said second end.
 16. The article of claim 15, further comprising at least three scooping elements.
 17. The article of claim 15, wherein said width of each said scooping element along said elongated element varies at with each successive scooping element.
 18. The article of claim 15, wherein a retaining surface of each said scooping element is inclined toward said elongated element.
 19. The article of claim 18, further comprising said scooping element declining in the direction of an inclining scooping element.
 20. The article of claim 19, further comprising a perpendicular flange, said perpendicular flange disposed between said declining and said inclining scooping element.
 21. The article of claim 15, further comprising a flange guard, said flange guard separating said handle from said first end, and said flange guard disposed in a perpendicular orientation with said elongated element.
 22. The article of claim 15, wherein said handle is spherical.
 23. The article of claim 15, wherein said elongated element is between 1 and 3 inches in length and wherein the maximum width of said scooping element is between ¼ of an inch and one inch. 